Welcome to The Feature Sheet: The key features of our latest CARE Report, all in one place.

Please note: The data visualization embeds on this page are best viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.

Every two years, the Community Aid and Real Estate (CARE) Report highlights the financial and volunteer contributions that REALTORS®, broker-owners, association executives (AEs), and multiple listing service (MLS) staff make to support their communities. In 2026, amid slower home sales and ongoing housing affordability challenges, the commitment to giving back remains strong.

Whether through volunteering their time, donating to charitable causes, or encouraging a culture of community involvement within their businesses, real estate professionals continue to demonstrate that being a good neighbor is at the heart of what they do. The latest CARE Report shows that REALTORS® are not only helping people achieve homeownership, but also strengthening the communities they serve.

Showing Up for Their Communities

One of the clearest ways REALTORS® demonstrate their commitment to their neighbors is by volunteering their time. According to the 2026 CARE Report, 64% of REALTOR® members-at-large, 78% of broker-owners, and 80% of AEs and MLS staff volunteer on a monthly basis. Over the last year, respondents most commonly volunteered through food banks and meal programs (33%), local schools (24%), initiatives supporting veterans and active-duty service members (21%), and youth mentoring or education programs (21%). 

Volunteer commitments change from person to person, but the impact is large. Among those who volunteer monthly, the typical REALTOR® member-at-large contributes eight hours per month. Broker-owners typically dedicate 10 hours each month, while AEs and MLS staff typically contribute five hours monthly.

Giving Beyond Business

In addition to donating their time, real estate professionals consistently support charitable causes through monetary donations. Eighty-four percent of REALTOR® members-at-large and broker-owners made charitable donations over the past year. The typical annual donation among members-at-large was $1,500, while broker-owners typically contributed $4,000. Charitable giving was also widespread among AEs and MLS staff, with 94% reporting personal donations. Their typical annual contribution totaled $1,000. Associations also played a significant role in supporting local causes, with a median donation of $14,500 to nonprofits and charitable organizations during the past year.

Community Engagement Is Good Business

Many real estate firms recognize that community involvement benefits both their communities and their businesses. Two-thirds (66%) of REALTOR® members-at-large reported that their firms encourage employees to volunteer, while 68% of broker-owners said they actively encourage their agents to participate in community service activities. Additionally, 80% of broker-owners reported that community involvement is an important part of their overall business strategy.

Beyond making a positive impact, community engagement can strengthen a firm's reputation, support employee retention, and help create a competitive advantage. Consumers notice these efforts as well. According to the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 14% of home buyers said a real estate professional's volunteerism was an important factor.

A Commitment That Endures

The 2026 CARE Report underscores a consistent message: REALTORS®, broker-owners, associations, and MLS staff remain deeply invested in the communities they serve. Through volunteerism, charitable giving, and civic engagement, real estate professionals continue to prove that giving back and being a good neighbor is more than a tradition. It's a core part of who they are.